Full Breakdown
34BigThings Regains Full Independence from Embracer Group
6/26/2026, 5:14:32 AM
Independence Deal: Core Facts
Italian studio 34BigThings announced that co-founder Valerio Di Donato has repurchased all shares from Embracer Group, restoring 100 percent founder ownership. The deal, disclosed in 2026, places Di Donato, co-founder Giuseppe Enrico Franchi and CFO Daniel Giagnorio in charge.
Background
Embracer bought 34BigThings in November 2020, enabling staff growth to over 70 and access to IPs like *Carmageddon: Rogue Shift* and *Redout*. From 2023 onward the conglomerate pursued a costly restructuring that led to layoffs and the sale of several studios, prompting a 2026 split into independent, publicly-traded units.
Leadership, Size, and Market Position
The studio now employs more than 70 staff, making it Italy’s second-largest independent developer. Di Donato serves as sole shareholder, Franchi as head of studio, and Giagnorio as CFO.
Official Statements & Responses
Di Donato praised Embracer’s “invaluable structure and stability” for enabling growth, while noting that private ownership will bring “greater focus and agility.” Franchi said independence grants “absolute autonomy” over projects and resources. Embracer gave no comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts view the buy-back as a symptom of Embracer’s broader instability, citing the 2023-2026 layoffs and studio closures that have eroded confidence among acquired developers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This provided us with invaluable structure and stability, while offering a first-hand look at the complexities of balancing internal development with external stakeholders,” — Valerio Di Donato, Co-founder
- “Being independent means being free to pick and choose our own projects, freely discard what doesn’t work, allocate production resources the way we see fit, and being quicker in seizing external opportunities without having to wait for approval.” — Giuseppe Enrico Franchi, Head of Studio
- “Returning to full independence gives us absolute autonomy to shape our structure, our projects, and our development approach. It's refreshing to be steering our own ship once more,” — Giuseppe Enrico Franchi
- “Later this year, we will be announcing a major title built on one of the most important, beloved, and revered intellectual properties in the world. And that's just the start: our production pipeline is fully charged, with another major title scheduled for 2027 followed by another groundbreaking project slated for 2028.” — Giuseppe Enrico Franchi
Why It Matters
Full independence removes the need for external approval, enabling 34BigThings to pursue original IPs or licensed projects at its own pace. The announced pipeline suggests a resurgence of high-profile titles that could strengthen Italy’s position in the global gaming market.
What’s Next
The studio will unveil a major title later in 2026, with further releases planned for 2027 and 2028, marking an aggressive growth schedule now unbound by parent-company constraints.
